How to Get Your Pennsylvania Learner's Permit (PennDOT Guide)

To get a Non-Commercial Learner's Permit in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 16 and apply in person at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver & Vehicle Services (PennDOT). Applicants under 18 generally need a parent or guardian to sign, and many states also require enrollment in or completion of a driver-education course.

Pennsylvania's learner's permit knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving from the PA Driver's Manual. Junior drivers must log 65 hours of supervised practice, including night and bad-weather driving, before the road test.

Bring original or certified documents (not photocopies) that establish:

• Completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (Form DL-180), signed by the applicant.
• Proof of identity and date of birth using original documents (such as a birth certificate or valid U.S. passport) as listed on the DL-180 form.
• Your signed Social Security card as proof of your Social Security number.
• Physical examination portion on the back of Form DL-180 completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider (physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or chiropractor) no earlier than six months before your 16th birthday and within one year of application.
• Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD) signed by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 18 or older, required if the applicant is under 18.
• Applicants 18 and older must also provide two proofs of Pennsylvania residency (for example utility bills, a W-2 form, tax records, a lease agreement, or mortgage documents).

In Pennsylvania, the knowledge test is taken in person. The knowledge test is a multiple-choice exam of 18 questions on Pennsylvania traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving; you must answer at least 15 correctly to pass.

The PennDOT charges $45.50 application fee for the permit. Amounts can change and sometimes include separate knowledge-test or service fees, so verify the current cost with the PennDOT before you visit.

Under Pennsylvania's Graduated Driver Licensing program, permit holders under 18 must complete at least 65 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice, including no fewer than 10 hours at night and 5 hours in poor weather, and must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older (or a parent or guardian 18 or older) before taking the road test.